Line upon Line

What Institute Students in England Learned from Reading the Book of Mormon in 24 Hours

“It was exciting, fun, challenging, and rewarding,” Kerr said. “The overriding feeling was not one focused on completion and speed.”

Kerr said there’s power in studying and discussing scripture block-by-block, but there’s also great power in reading the Book of Mormon as a book.

“It is a tremendously challenging task to read the book from beginning to end in such a short period of time, but I can testify that it is extremely rewarding and moving to hear the prophets of the Book of Mormon testify, encourage, and offer blessings to the reader in such quick succession,” he said. “I felt that I understood the people more. I felt of their love, the love of Christ, and the urgency of their message.”

He also said anyone planning a similar event should “plan good meals, [have] lots of sugar, and make sure you keep a notepad near at all times.”

Chantal Barton, an institute student who participated in the challenge, joined the Church only about two months ago. The 24-hour challenge was her first time reading the Book of Mormon all the way through, an experience she said reminded her of the excitement she felt reading the Bible as a child.

She also said the experience reminded her of Luke 1:37—“For with God nothing shall be impossible”—and the Book of Mormon is a testament of that scripture, reminding her she can do hard things.